Ladies coaches in six rakes to have CCTVs

MUMBAI: The Western Railway will roll out six rakes with close circuit television (CCTV) cameras, meant for ladies coaches, within the next fortnight. The need for CCTV cameras arose after increasing cases of female commuters being molested or robbed in running trains were being reported in the recent past.
WR has awarded tenders for the project, likely to cost Rs 6.5 lakh per rake.
“The installed CCTVs will have 3-megapixel resolution and wide angles that will cover all corners of the compartment. It will have a maximum recording period of 30 days. The cameras will be placed at the entry and exit gates to capture images of any intruder,” a WR official said.
“Work is in progress to get the rakes ready within a fortnight. The technology will also have live streaming via 3G internet,” the official added.
The CCTV cameras are based on traction technology that can withstand shock and vibrations as local trains move at 80-100 kmph in the suburban section.
The CCTV trials were first initiated by the WR authorities in May-June, but poor image quality of the gadgets had put the plan on hold.
Authorities hope that the presence of CCTV cameras in the ladies compartments will deter criminals and untoward incidents.
In August 2013, US national Michelle Marks (24) was mugged by drug addict Rajkumar Tiwari (31) between Marine Lines and Charni Road stations. He slashed Marks with a blade when she refused to hand over her iPhone and her purse. Tiwari was later arrested. Earlier in June 2013, petty criminal Devraj Kanka molested a nurse in a 5.41am local in Malad.